Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most

common childhood behavioral disorder diagnosed in outpatient
settings in the United States. Polanczyk and colleagues, using a
meta-analysis that included hundreds of articles and more than
100,000 patients, estimated its worldwide prevalence to be 5.2
percent.
DEFINITION_____________________________________________________
___
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting both children
and adults. It is described as a persistent or on-going
pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity
that gets in the way of daily life or typical development.
Individuals with ADHD may also have difficulties with maintaining
attention, executive function (or the brains ability to begin an
activity, organize itself and manage tasks) and working memory.

The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical

Manual, Fifth edition (DSM-5)1, is used by mental health
professionals to help diagnose ADHD.
People with ADHD show a persistent pattern of inattention and/or
hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or
development:
Inattention: Six or more symptoms of inattention for
children up to age 16, or five or more for adolescents
17 and older and adults; symptoms of inattention have
been present for at least 6 months, and they are
inappropriate for developmental level:

Often fails to give close attention to details or makes

careless mistakes in schoolwork, at work, or with other
activities.

Often has trouble holding attention on tasks or play

activities.

Often does not seem to listen when spoken to

directly.

Often does not follow through on instructions and

fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the
workplace (e.g., loses focus, side-tracked).

DIAGNOSIS______________________________________________________
__

1.

2.

Often has trouble organizing tasks and activities.

Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to do tasks that

require mental effort over a long period of time (such as
schoolwork or homework).

Often loses things necessary for tasks and activities

(e.g. school materials, pencils, books, tools, wallets, keys,
paperwork, eyeglasses, mobile telephones).

Is often easily distracted

Is often forgetful in daily activities.

Hyperactivity and Impulsivity: Six or more symptoms

of hyperactivity-impulsivity for children up to age 16,
or five or more for adolescents 17 and older and adults;
symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have been
present for at least 6 months to an extent that is

disruptive
and
inappropriate
developmental level:
o

for

the

persons

Several symptoms are present in two or more setting, (e.g.,

at home, school or work; with friends or relatives; in other
activities).

Often fidgets with or taps hands or feet, or squirms

in seat.

There is clear evidence that the symptoms interfere with,

or reduce the quality of, social, school, or work functioning.

Often leaves seat in situations when remaining

seated is expected.

Often runs about or climbs in situations where it is

not appropriate (adolescents or adults may be limited to
feeling restless).

The symptoms do not happen only during the course of

schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder. The symptoms
are not better explained by another mental disorder (e.g.
Mood Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Dissociative Disorder, or a
Personality Disorder).

Often unable to play or take part in leisure activities

quietly.

CLASSIFICATION________________________________________________
___

Is often "on the go" acting as if "driven by a motor".

Often talks excessively.

o
o

Often blurts out an answer before a question has

been completed.
Often has trouble waiting his/her turn.
Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts
into conversations or games)

In addition, the following conditions must be met:

Several inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms

were present before age 12 years.

Based on the types of symptoms, three kinds (presentations) of

ADHD can occur:
Combined Presentation: if enough symptoms of both criteria
inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity were present for the
past 6 months
Predominantly Inattentive Presentation: if enough
symptoms of inattention, but not hyperactivity-impulsivity,
were present for the past six months
Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation: if
enough symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity but not
inattention were present for the past six months.
Because symptoms can change over time, the presentation
may change over time as well.
Clinicians can designate the severity of ADHD presentation as
"mild," "moderate" or "severe" under the criteria in the DSM-5:

Mild: Few symptoms beyond the required number for

diagnosis are present and symptoms result in minor
impairment at home, school, work and/or in social settings.

Moderate: Symptoms or impairment between "mild" and

"severe" are present.

Severe: Many symptoms are present beyond the number

needed to make a diagnosis, or multiple symptoms are
particularly severe, or symptoms extremely impair an
individual at home, school, work and/or in social settings.